In the late 1980s, a failed film studio lot and its adjacent land were bought out by Village. They entered a joint venture with Pivot Leisure (part-owners of the nearbySea World) and Warner to develop the land into a theme park. Designed byC. V. Wood, the layout was inspired byUniversal Studios Hollywood andDisney's Hollywood Studios, and opening attractions were designed to educate guests about the processes behindfilmmaking. The park has since expanded to include an array of attractions that are based on Warner and relatedDC Comics properties. It has survived financial hardships and remains among Australia's most popular tourist destinations.
In October 1988, Village acquired a large lot of swampy land adjacent to the studio complex from investment company Ariadne Australia (which had been crippled by the 1987Black Monday stock market crash).[d][1] The following month, Village persuaded Warner to acquire 50% of the studio and announced that atheme park, provisionally named Warner World, was to be built on the recently acquired land. Warner recognised the value proposition in the theme park more than in the studio.[e][1] In July 1989, the two companies entered ajoint venture to develop the park with Pivot Leisure, part-owners of a propertytrust inSea World, a localmarine mammal park.[f][17] American designerC. V. Wood was commissioned that year to design the park. He had six park designs in his portfolio at the time, includingSix Flags Over Texas andDisneyland,[18] and modelled Movie World's layout onUniversal Studios Hollywood andDisney's Hollywood Studios.[19] It was scaled to let up to 13,000 guests visit all attractions in a single day, even during peak periods.[18][20] Construction took about 16 months, relied on labour from local workers as much as possible[19] and cost an estimated $120–140 million,[20][21] of which Pivot contributed about $30 million.[22]
The Fountain of Fame, the park's entrance plaza
The opening ceremony held on 2 June 1991[g] was attended by more than 5,000 people, among them celebrities such asClint Eastwood,Mel Gibson,Goldie Hawn andKurt Russell.[24] To mark the occasion,Premier of QueenslandWayne Goss cut a novelty film reel with Eastwood andBugs Bunny.[20] The evening prior, 1 June, a special edition episode ofHey Hey It's Saturday ("Hey Hey It's Movie World") shot on-location had hostDaryl Somers interview many of the celebrities in attendance, such as Eastwood and Russell.[h][20][27] The park opened to the public on 3 June.[g][20][25] Between 400 and 500 jobs were created upon its opening.[i][18][29] The initial guest admission fee was $29 for adults and $19 for children.[21] With increased international tourism to the Gold Coast since the 1980s,[1] Village had hoped to tap into a market with American and Japanese customers; attractions were subtitled, and tour guides were trained, inJapanese.[j][18] Described as the world's first "movie-based theme park" built outside the United States[30] and the first "American-style" theme park sinceTokyo Disneyland,[18] it was expected to draw between one and 1.5 million visitors within its first year.[k][21][31]
TheRoxy Theatre, which opened with the park in 1991.
Opening attractions at Movie World educated guests about the processes behindfilmmaking.[32] Marketing slogans billed it as "Hollywood on the Gold Coast" and its design was intended to capture the aesthetic of American theme parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios.[33][34] Beyond the Fountain of Fame opening plaza, Main Street featured replicas of buildings and facades from various Warner films, such as Rick's Café Américain fromCasablanca, the bank robbed duringBonnie and Clyde and theDaily Planet building fromSuperman.[31][34] A film studio tour[25] included theMovie Magic Special Effects Show with audience participation on a live set.[21][34] There were two live daily shows: the Western Action Show featured actors performing amusing stunts with live animals[34] and the hour-longPolice Academy Stunt Show staged shoot-outs and car chases for an audience of 1,500.[21] TheWarner Bros. Classics & Great Gremlins Adventure interactivedark ride had guests escape from agremlin invasion of a studio set.[21][31] Young Einstein Gravity Homestead, based on the 1988 filmYoung Einstein, featured sloped floors and optical illusions to simulate the effects of gravity. TheRoxy Theatre screened3D films. TheLooney Tunes Land children's area featured several attractions, including theLooney Tunes River Ride darkwater ride[31] and the Looney Tunes Musical Revue live show.[35]
Marvin the Martian in 3D opened in December 1997 at the Roxy Theatre as the world's first animated 3D film[45][47] and onBoxing Day, 26 December, Looney Tunes Land reopened as Looney Tunes Village with several new rides.[48][49] Boxing Day 1998 saw the opening of the Wild Wild West (nowWild West Falls Adventure Ride). Theflume ride byHopkins Rides was at the time the largest single ride investment in Australia and featured an artificial mountain that was approximately 400 metres (1,300 ft) wide and 32 metres (105 ft) tall.[50][51] Originally to be called Rio Bravo after the 1959Western film of thesame name,[50] the ride was renamed to tie-in with the 1999 filmWild Wild West.[52] In their annual report, Village identified Wild Wild West as a crowd-pleaser and credited it with the attendance spike that year.[53]
The Harry Potter attraction closed and was replaced in September 2003 byThe Official Matrix Exhibit,[67] which featured props from theMatrix film series.[68] In 2005, Village announced expansion plans totalling $65 million for their Gold Coast parks, in which Movie World would receive a share with two new attractions.[69][70] First, the Roxy Theatre was refurbished for a new film,Shrek 4D Adventure. Opened on 17 September, the experience used sensory effects, moving seats and animatronics.[71][72]Superman Escape, the other attraction, opened on Boxing Day. The $16 millionAccelerator Coaster byIntamin[73][74] was the park's first major thrill ride in about a decade.[70]Batwing Spaceshot, a $5 millionSpace Shot byS&S Power, opened in December 2006.[75]
Looney Tunes Village was renamed to Kids' WB Fun Zone in 2007, with two new rides added.[76] Police Academy Stunt Show drew its final curtain call on 30 April 2008 after 16 years and 18,000 performances; the enduringly popular attraction was among the world's longest-running stunt shows at the time.[77][78] Its replacement, the $10 millionHollywood Stunt Driver, opened on Boxing Day. A cast of 10 stunt drivers were selected from more than 200 applicants and, in preparation for the show, the venue was renovated to increase its stage area and seating capacity from 1,400 to 2,000 guests.[79] Another new live show, Looney Tunes: What's Up Rock?, replaced The Musical Revue.[80][81] In October, construction of a roof over Main Street was completed.[80] The 4,000 square metre (43,000 sq ft) roof supplied by MakMax Australia was designed to improve guest protection from the elements and provide for a 2,000-person capacity venue for functions and events.[82][83]
Looney Tunes River Ride[84] and Batman Adventure – The Ride 2 closed in 2011.[85] Showtime FMX's MotoMonster Xtreme show temporarily replaced Hollywood Stunt Driver from 26 June to 18 July as alternative winter holiday entertainment.[86]Green Lantern Coaster opened on 23 December:[87] theEl Loco coaster by S&S Worldwide[88] featured a 120.5° drop angle–theSouthern Hemisphere's steepest and world's third-steepest.[89] Lethal Weapon – The Ride closed in January 2012 for a $2 million refurbishment. The coaster received a newtrain manufactured byKumbak with lap bar restraints and on-board audio.[90][91] It was renamed Arkham Asylum – Shock Therapy, themed to theBatman: Arkham video games; the ride building transformed into anArkham Asylum seized by theJoker and his cohorts. The ride reopened in April.[91][92] Housed in the former Batman Adventure building,Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D opened in September and incorporated special effects,animatronics and3D projections. The $9 millioninteractive dark ride attraction was manufactured bySally Corporation, with additional technologies provided byAlterface,Threshold Entertainment,Bertazzon and others.[93][94]
Doomsday Destroyer, which headlined aDC Comics-themed precinct that opened in 2016.
Hollywood Stunt Driver closed and was replaced by its sequel on 20 February 2014, a revamped show that featured Showtime FMXmotocross riders who performed more complex stunts than before.[95] The $4 million Junior Driving School, where riders navigate a miniature Movie World replica, opened at the Kids' WB Fun Zone on 12 September.[96] Built on the former Boot Hill Graveyard, theDC Comics Super-Villains Unleashed interactive precinct opened in September 2016.[97][98] Its main attraction was Doomsday Destroyer, a Suspended Twin Hammer thrill ride[m] designed by Intamin.[98][99] Statues of DC supervillains (such asHarley Quinn andScarecrow) were activated byRFID wristbands to interact with guests.[98] The same month, optionalvirtual reality headsets were added to Arkham Asylum's ride experience.[100]DC Rivals HyperCoaster opened on 22 September 2017. The $30 million Mack Rideshypercoaster was at its time the single largest ride investment in Village's history,[101][102] and as of 2020[update] is Australia's tallest,[103] fastest[104] and longest coaster.[n][106]
AnAquaman exhibition opened on 13 December 2018 to feature props and costumes used in the film.[107] Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster closed for maintenance from July to November; it was refurbished with newprojection mapping technologies and other special effects,[108] and rebranded as Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster: Next Generation for its re-opening in December.[109] The WB Studio Showcase, opened on 1 November 2019, exhibited props, sets and costumes from numerous Warner films such asSuicide Squad,Mad Max: Fury Road andA Star Is Born.[110] Later that month, Australian students ofNew York Film Academy (NYFA) began to offer guests a look at the filmmaking process with the NYFA – Hot Sets attraction.[111] Arkham Asylum ceased operations in December.[42] Due to theCOVID-19 pandemic, the park closed on 22 March 2020[112] and reopened on 15 July at 50% guest capacity withsocial distancing and sanitisation policies in effect.[113][114]
Batman Legacy, an exhibition themed to theBatman films, opened at the WB Studio Showcase on Boxing Day 2021.[115][116] Marvin the Martian: Cosmic Boom, aDrop'N Twist children's ride bySBF Visa Group,[117] opened at the Kids' WB Fun Zone in April 2023.[118]The Flash: Speed Force, ashuttle roller coaster by Intamin, opened on 13 May 2024. A relocation of the Surfrider at Wet'n'Wild, the coaster was built within Superman Escape's footprint and themed to the DC Comics superhero theFlash.[119][120] In October, the Action Zone Arcade opened at the Kids' WB Fun Zone. Theamusement arcade was built byIntencity and used cashless technology provided by Intercard.[121][122] AWizard of Oz-themed precinct opened on 20 December,[123][124] costing approximately $50–100 million.[o] Built on the formerArkham Asylum site,[118] the precinct featured two Vekoma coasters: Flight of the Wicked Witch, aSuspended Family Coaster,[127] and Kansas Twister, aracing dual-trackFamily Boomerang.[128] Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, which closed in January 2023, is set to reopen in 2025 after a $4 million refurbishment. Planned upgrades include a partial re-tracking,magnetic brakes, new ride vehicles and other enhancements.[129][130] After Warner Bros. Movie World has officially updated its logo on 13 October 2025, the "Hollywood on the Gold Coast" slogan was discontinued.[131]
Movie World is located in Oxenford on the Gold Coast, Queensland, approximately 20 km (13 miles) from Surfers Paradise.[1][18] It is part of a 154-hectare (380.5-acre) precinct that includes three other Village properties:Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast, Australian Outback Spectacular andParadise Country.[132] The 24 attractions can be divided into six broad areas: Main Street, Kids' WB Fun Zone, the Wizard of Oz precinct, theWild West, DC Comics Super-Villains Unleashed and the DC Comics superhero hub.[133]
Just beyond the Grand Entrance, the opening plaza encircles its Fountain of Fame centrepiece. Main Street continues with guest services, dining, gift shops and other amenities lining the footpaths.[34] The Roxy Theatre off Main Street screens4D films.[134] Hollywood Stunt Driver's crew perform motorcycle and rally car stunts.[95]Characters such asBatman, the Joker,Scooby-Doo,Austin Powers and theLooney Tunes cast roam the grounds and pose for photos; each afternoon, they parade with themed floats and vehicles along Main Street.[135][136]
Kids' WB Fun Zone features attractions from car rides andcarousels tofrog hoppers andsplash pads.[76] Patrons ride through Junior Driving School's miniature park replica[96] and embark on the Road Runner Rollercoaster.[54] In the Wizard of Oz precinct, guests follow theyellow brick road toEmerald City and duel on the tracks of the Kansas Twister.[124][128] On the Flight of the Wicked Witch, guests suspended beneath coaster track fly around theWicked Witch of the West's castle.[127] Wild West Falls, which headlines its eponymous area, traverses aNative American village andghost town before asplashdown finale.[50]
DC Comics Super-Villains Unleashed displays DC supervillain statues amid criminal acts. Guests use RFID wristbands to help the villains destroy the area or hang upside-down on Doomsday Destroyer.[98] In the DC Comics superhero hub, Batwing Spaceshot exerts fourg-forces as it launches up a vertical tower.[75] DC Rivals navigates acamelback andnon-inverting loop while riders on each train's last row face backwards.[137] The Flash: Speed Force shuttles guests on a rotating platform between two vertical spikes of track.[120] Green Lantern drops beyond vertical into outer-banked turns and two inversions.[88] Justice League patrons blast animatronic aliens on 3D screens.[93] Superman Escape catapults from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in two seconds up atop hat element.[73]
Two seasonal events are held annually:Fright Nights duringHalloween andWhite Christmas during theChristmas holidays.[142] Fright Nights features mazes, street parades performed by Halloween characters and night rides on several attractions.[143][144] It is a consistently popular event, with around 7,000 guests attending each Fright Night evening in October 2017.[145] The park offers a paid Fast Track priority pass[146] and freevirtual queueing on select attractions,[147] as well as mobile ordering and queueing at certain food outlets.[148] Star Tours began in July 2016 and offer a behind-the-scenes look at several attractions. Included in the experience are Fast Track passes, priority seating for the afternoon parade and other features.[149] A climb up the 282 steps of DC Rivals'slift hill began in September 2018.[150]
To celebrate the park's first anniversary in 1992, a daily parade featuring Bugs Bunny and otherLooney Tunes characters was held each afternoon from 1 June. Evenings from 20 June onwards played host to Illuminanza[s]—a sound and light show featuring Batman andCatwoman—followed by screenings ofBatman Returns at the Roxy Theatre. Celebrations concluded by 19 July.[152][153]Easter 1994 was marked with the $200,000 Bugs Bunny Megga Easter Party from 1 to 10 April. An evening parade starring 140 cast members concluded with afireworks display.[154] A tenth anniversary celebration hosted byB105 FM was held on 4 August 2001. More than 1,000 attendees were treated to live performances byHuman Nature,Invertigo,A Touch of Class andJoanne Accom.[155][156] Halloween Family Fun Night, the first Halloween event, was held on 31 October 2006 and offered guests night rides on several attractions. The sold-out event was immediately popular with more than 7,500 attendees, such that it was extended into the following evening.[157][158] It has since become Fright Nights, an annual tradition.[145]
Fright Nights has drawn strong attendance since its inception.
In 2010, a DC Heroes vs. Villains parade ran during the June–July school holiday period to celebrate DC Comics's 75th anniversary.[159] In partnership with the Gold Coast'snewspaper andAFL team, a Christmas charity event was held on 3 December for 3,000 disadvantaged locals.[160] Later that month, the first annual White Christmas events were held for the public. More than one millionChristmas lights decorated the park, which hosted festivities such as aLooney Tunes ice-skating show, a Christmas parade and a visit fromSanta Claus.[161] The event was immediately popular and reached its maximum 7,500 person capacity on several evenings.[162] Throughout June–July 2014, Carnivale events were held on select evenings and featured music, parades and cuisine inspired by theBrazilian Carnival.[t][166] Festivities and a parade commemorated the park's 25th anniversary on 3 June 2016.[167] In 2020, Fright Nights was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions,[u][169] while White Christmas went ahead.[170][171] To celebrate the park's 30th anniversary, the Hooray for Hollywood event ran from 26 June to 18 July 2021, with guest interactions and a daily parade themed to classic Hollywood cinema.[172][173]
An onsite hotel facility has been in development since at least December 2015, when a planned nine-storey hotel received council approval.[v][174] Village sought a trademark application for the name "Hotel V" in March 2021; submitted documents showed the hotel's planned design and amenities.[175] That December, VillageCEO Clark Kirby said the development was "close to being realised".[176] The projected size of the development increased in October 2022 council submissions. At an expected cost of $333 million, the 5.1-hectare (12.6-acre) site was designed by Gold Coast architecture groups DBI and Burling Brown. The 22-storey hotel building would accommodate 600 rooms and feature several dining and recreational facilities. A function centre planned to be built adjacent to the hotel would feature three function halls. Village projected revenue of $840 million from 876,000 visitors within the hotel's first five years.[177][178] Plans and supporting documents were released for public consultation in February 2023.[w][180] Preliminary council approval for the site is current until 2027.[177]
Retail has contributed to strong revenue since the park's opening.
During its first year of operation, Movie World received 1.2 million visitors,[13] exceeding its conservative target of one million.[31] John Menzies,CEO ofWarner Village Theme Parks, said that attendance at Sea World and local competitorDreamworld was consistent with prior years. "So long as the themes are different, parks like this can [proliferate] ad infinitum", he said.[13] Nationwide theme park attendance grew 12% from 1992 to 1993 and Movie World recorded 1.3 million visitors during thefinancial year.[154][181] Park general manager Mark Germyn attributed attendance growth in part to success with the international market: about 25% of the park's visitors were from overseas, and half of these were from Japan. "We're coming on strong in the Asian markets", he said, "including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand".[154] He further notedretail sales of about 2.6 million units of stock across its 25 outlets generating $17 million in revenue.[154] In 1998, Village marketing manager Ken Minnikin highlighted the success of the "3 Park Super Pass",[x] which recorded a 20% sales increase during Christmas 1997 over the prior year's period, and cited the Gold Coast's theme park industry as a major domestic tourism drawcard.[182] A 20% decline in attendance during 2000 was attributed toY2K hysteria, but the "Super Pass" deal continued to be popular, contributing about one third of park ticket sales.[183]
There were more than 10 million lifetime visitors by 2001.[156] International visits that year were negatively impacted by theSeptember 11 attacks[65] and although park visits fell slightly during financial 2001, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild's attendance increased and Village's parks division posted anEBITDA rise of 23.1%.[184] In 2003, visits by international tourists declined by about 50%,[y] with thewar on terror and2002–2004 SARS outbreak cited as key factors. In response, daily operating hours for several rides were reduced.[z][185] Visits from key Asian markets to the Gold Coast had dropped by about 95% and Village emphasised a need to target their domestic market with discounted tickets andShopa Docket vouchers.[186] In May 2006, Village acquired Warner's stake in their theme park division for $254 million but maintained the latter's licence and branding. The deal let Village take sole ownership of several park properties, including Movie World.[aa][188] Strong attendance figures over financial 2007 contributed in part to anet profit of around $45 million,[189] offsetting $40 million in losses the previous year.[190] More than 1.32 million people visited during 2007 (a 5.8% increase from the year prior) and the park was Australia's third highest attended that year.[ab][191] Village considered Superman Escape and Batwing Spaceshot's openings to be contributing factors to the increased attendance.[192][193] A decline in attendance during financial 2008 was attributed to unseasonably poor weather during the key summer months.[194]
Green Lantern Coaster's December 2011 opening contributed to an attendance boost the following year.
Various discounting and marketing strategies were devised to offset hardship after the2008 financial crisis.[195][196] A "Q150 Pass" promotion[ac] introduced in April 2009 was extended beyond its original September expiry into the Christmas–New Year holiday.[197][198] The promotional efforts contributed to increased profitability and attendance over the following year.[ad][200] Inclement weather and subsequentflooding impacted attendance throughout early 2011,[201][202] however attendance on 26 June reached a new peak since Christmas with more than 10,000 visitors.[ae][203] Sales of "VIP Pass" promotions throughout financial 2011 nearly doubled over the year prior.[af][205] Green Lantern's opening helped visitor numbers during January 2012[206] and other additions throughout the year boosted attendance by 27% in financial half-year 2013 over the prior period.[207] By financial year's end, more than 2 million annual visitors were recorded for the first time.[208] Later in 2013, Village partnered with Dreamworld ownerArdent Leisure for a $15 million Gold Coast marketing campaign.[209] 2014 additions such as the Carnivale event and Junior Driving School attraction were highlighted as yearly attendance draws.[210][211] Fright Nights had its most successful season to date and White Christmas attendance grew 22% over the year prior.[211] By 2016, the park had received an average of 1.4 million visitors per year.[20]
At a total cost of $30 million,DC Rivals HyperCoaster remains Village's largest single ride investment.
The fallout from Dreamworld's October 2016Thunder River Rapids incident, in which four patrons were killed,[212] had a significant impact on industry performance.[213] By January 2017, combined attendance at Movie World, Wet'n'Wild and Sea World had dropped 12%.[214] The $30 million investment for DC Rivals—Australia's first major theme park attraction since the River Rapids incident—inspired Village's optimism for a financial turnaround; it was the largest single ride investment in their history and Australia's most expensive coaster.[102][215] Its opening set a daily attendance record for September with 11,500 guests.[216] By November, to cut debts after a $66.7 million loss the prior financial year, Village sought to sell the Oxenford precinct's land through a 90-yearleaseback agreement.[ag][217] Village posted a narrow profit margin of $200,000 in August 2018 and stated that while April school holiday theme park attendance was inhibited by the2018 Commonwealth Games, July results were strong with high season pass sales.[213] In February 2020, Village posted an EBITDA increase of 7% to $39 million for the financial half-year and overall attendance at their theme park properties rose 12% to 2.58 million; these results were attributed to a 6% ticket price hike, increased visitors and Fright Nights's continued success.[218] Throughout the year, COVID-19 closures had a detrimental impact on park performance.[219] The impact was felt through financial 2021 as Village's theme parks operated at a $4.6 million loss over the period.[220] Village no longer publicises its finances, as the company was delisted from theASX in December 2020 following a $568 million takeover fromBGH Capital.[170][221]
Reviewing soon after the park's 1991 opening,The Sydney Morning Herald's Andrew Conway highlighted its emphasis on experiences that captured the "magic world of movies" over thrill rides.[34] He considered Police Academy Stunt Show the standout among several well-themed attractions, but felt the park lacked the scale and grandeur of American influences Disneyland and Universal Studios. He said that "if you've been to the mega-parks of the United States, Movie World may well disappoint" but it nonetheless offered great family entertainment.[34] Guest exit surveys during opening year signalled highly positive public reception, with around 95% of respondents rating their experience as "excellent".[28] In 1993,The Sydney Morning Herald's Robyn Willis praised the breadth of a day's entertainment but cautioned its high cost.[222] At the 1994 Australian Tourism Award, it won the "Major Tourist Attraction" category.[223] The 1998 awards saw Village win the "Tourism Marketing and Promotional Campaigns" category.[182]
At the 2002IAAPA Awards, the park received an honourable mention in the "Best Supervisory Training Program" category.[224] Movie World and Sea World received joint awards for "Specialty Meeting Venue" at the 2005 Meetings and Events Australia awards.[225] According to a 2014Newspoll study, the park was Australia's fourth most popular tourist attraction of all time.[ah][226] In 2020,Finder.com.au'sChris Stead thought the park was laid out well in a compact area but offered minimal shade from the heat and suffered long queue times during peak periods. He thought that children aged six to ten would have a limited experience unless they were tall enough to brave the bigger rides, and that visits were best suited to adult thrill-seekers or families with teenagers.[146]
While the park was closed on 5 December 2003, a fire caused more than $1 million in damage to Wild West Falls's upper section;[227][228] the ride was repaired and reopened several weeks later.[229] On 15 March 2015, one of Green Lantern's cars became detached from the rails when a wheel mechanism broke. Although riders were stranded for several hours and had to be rescued by the fire brigade, there were no major injuries.[230][231] An investigation revealed a design flaw in a bolted joint on the wheel assembly.[232] S&S Worldwide redesigned the flawed components, the ride was tested and it reopened in December.[233]
^DEL obtained aAU$12 millionQueensland Government investment for the construction. The Government bought the land outright and leased it back to DEL.[2]
^In December 1984, property developerKeith Williams sold Sea World to the trust owned by Murphyores, Pivot and Wardley Australia for $35.77 million.[13] By April 1992, a mounting $106 million debt to the failing Tricontinental bank compelled Pivot's chairman Peter Laurance to sell their 66% stake in the Sea World trust to Warner and Village.[14][15][16]
^abAccording to contemporaneous sources, the opening ceremony was held on 2 June;[21][23][24] some retrospective sources erroneously cite the public opening on 3 June as the ceremony date as well.[20][25]
^The following year,Hey Hey It's Saturday returned for another special to commemorate the park's first anniversary. Aparody segment starring Somers developed into thetelevision filmSilence of the Hams (satirisingCasablanca), which aired on 15 June 1992.[26]
^By November, the park had about 600 employees.[28]
^Park development had been advertised to Japanese tour operators for at least 15 months before its opening.[21]
^Park attendance in its first year ultimately reached 1.2 million.[13]
^The fifteen live owls used in the show were housed in a $100,000 enclosure.[61]
^The ride seats guests on two mechanical arms that rotate 360°.[98]
^Sources have estimated a range of projected costs, from "$40 million plus",[125] to "$50 million",[123] to "$100 million".[124][126]
^A relocation of the Surfrider coaster at Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast.[120]
^Originally opened 17 June 2002, and renovated and rebranded as Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster: Next Generation in December 2018.[109] Closed for refurbishment since January 2023 with a scheduled 2025 reopening.[129][130]
^The revamped show opened on 20 February 2014.[95]
^Another proposal that never materialised was made a decade prior to the December 2015 approval.[174]
^The consultation period ended the next month; the development received support from several local residents, while an objection was lodged by electricity companyEnergex.[179]
^The pass allowed guests unlimited entry to Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild Water World over a four-day period.[182]
^Prior to the decline, international tourists accounted for about 40% of annual park visits.[185]
^Batman Adventure – The Ride 2, for example, only operated each day from 10–11:15am and from 3–5pm.[185]
^By October, Village took full control of the Sea World Resort as well.[187]
^The highest was Dreamworld with 1.36 million visitors (a 1.3% decrease) and second was Sea World with 1.35 million visitors (a 6.9% increase).[191]
^The pass, exclusive to Queensland residents, gave unlimited discounted entry to Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild during the promotional period.[197]
^The Oxenford precinct received over 2.2 million visitors over the second half of 2009.[199]
^A park spokesperson attributed the MotoMonster Xtreme show among other factors for the day's attendance peak.[203]
^The pass gave residents unlimited park entry over 13 months.[204]
^The land was purchased the following month by LGIAsuper for $100 million.[132]
^Oliver, Robin (4 June 1991). "League pushes Nine sky high".The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 47, 968.Fairfax Media. p. 4 – via SMH Archives(subscription required).
^Lenthall, Kate (15 December 1992). "'Batman' to ride out recession".The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 48, 449.Fairfax Media. p. 36 – via SMH Archives(subscription required).
^ab"The theme of things; Queensland – Beautiful one day, perfect the next".The Age.Fairfax Media. 18 October 1997. p. 5.ProQuest363212283(registration required).
^abcO'Brien, Tim (21 September 1998). "Rio Bravo ride to open at WB Movie World Australia".Amusement Business. Vol. 110, no. 38.VNU Business Media. pp. 14–15.ProQuest209452962(registration required).
^O'Brien, Tim (17 May 1999). "New family rides add plenty of capacity".Amusement Business. Vol. 111, no. 20.VNU Business Media. pp. 17–20.ProQuest209445403(registration required).
^abEmmons, Natasha (2 July 2001). "Australia: Mature market sees some expansion".Amusement Business. Vol. 113, no. 26.VNU Business Media. p. 21.ProQuest209443617(registration required).
^abEmmons, Natasha (1 April 2002). "Australia's summer park business mixed".Amusement Business. Vol. 114, no. 13.VNU Business Media. pp. 1, 9.ProQuest209443644(registration required).
^Willis, Robyn (28 June 1992). "Action breaks on the Gold Coast".The Sun-Herald.Fairfax Media. p. 124 – via SMH Archives(subscription required).
^abcdDeckard, Linda (27 March 1994). "Megga Easter Party a first for Movie World".Amusement Business. Vol. 106, no. 12.VNU Business Media. p. 26.ProQuest209455004(registration required).
^abc"Warner Village Parks take Tourism Awards".Amusement Business. Vol. 110, no. 31.VNU Business Media. 3 August 1998. p. 20.ProQuest209452559(registration required).
^Emmons, Natasha (18 September 2000). "Package deals a bright spot for Warner Bros. Down Under themers".Amusement Business. Vol. 112, no. 38.VNU Business Media. p. 28.ProQuest209429724(registration required).
^Benz, Matthew (30 September 2002). "Attendance up at Village Roadshow parks".Amusement Business. Vol. 114, no. 39.VNU Business Media. p. 7.ProQuest209447656(registration required).
^abcZoltak, James (2 June 2003). "War, SARS impact park in Australia".Amusement Business. Vol. 115, no. 22.VNU Business Media. p. 5.ProQuest209436366(registration required).
^Zoltak, James (1 September 2003). "Australian parks weather 'perfect storm' with new promos".Amusement Business. Vol. 115, no. 35.VNU Business Media. p. 3.ProQuest209441156(registration required).
^Emmons, Natasha (2 December 2002). "IAAPA Awards laud work of exhibitors, facilities, individuals".Amusement Business. Vol. 114, no. 48.VNU Business Media. pp. 12–13.ProQuest209419265(registration required).
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